That doesn’t give the Democratic president much wiggle room as he tries to win re-election in a politically polarized America amid a weak recovery from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

So, with the presidential contest up for grabs, what does Barack Obama need to do at the Democratic National Convention to take a clear lead against Republican challenger Mitt Romney?

Ryan’s high-profile budget proposals transform the debate from a referendum on Obama to a choice of plans for the future. Democrats say the Romney-Ryan approach would hurt middle-class Americans and the elderly while benefiting the rich people like Romney. Democrats would much rather take their chances with a “choice” election than a “referendum” election. …

Alan Simpson said he enjoyed his recent visit with California seniors — with “at least those who are using their heads and have given up using emotion, fear, guilt or racism to juice up their troops.” He said the flyer used the faces of young people, who he said are the ones that will “get gutted while you continue to push your blather and drivel.” …

With the House slated to vote on the balanced budget amendment today, Texas Democratic Rep. Gene Green has said he is strongly against the measure, “which offers little to help the American people and will inevitably cause drastic cuts to Social Security and other essential programs.” …